Asthma is widespread
Every 10th child and every 14th adult is affected. In this disease of the respiratory tract, the bronchial tubes can become constricted, making it difficult for those affected to breathe in and out.
Shortness of breath, irritating cough, a feeling of tightness in the chest: those affected experience asthma individually and with varying intensity.
How does asthma manifest itself? The symptoms
Shortness of breath: People with asthma typically experience attacks of shortness of breath and coughing. However, asthma can also lead to constantly perceived shortness of breath. These symptoms are caused in part by external triggers such as contact with AllergensHowever, even independent of external factors, asthmatic inflammation can develop in the bronchi, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing. With inhalable (possibly also oral) medications asthma attacks can usually be well prevented and treated.
In addition to shortness of breath, other symptoms are characteristic of asthma:
- (Irritable) cough
- Tightness in the chest
- Whistling sound when exhaling (caused by constriction of the bronchi)
- Shortness of breath during exertion
If asthma occurs for the first time in adulthood, often no allergies can be identified as triggers. Possible causes in adults include a specific, asthmatic Inflammation in the respiratory tract (involving the upper respiratory tract, i.e. the nose and sinuses) or hypersensitivity to certain drugs and other chemical substances. The development of the disease is very individual and strongly depends on how it is treated.
Important methods for the diagnosis of asthma are:
- Allergy test of the skin
- Pulmonary function test
- Provocation test
If these tests are positive and the typical symptoms can be detected, the diagnosis of "asthma" is very likely. Patients with asthma often have an "allergic" history when they first go to the doctor. Some sufferers already have a history of Allergy or a hypersensitivity to certain substances is known. Such prior knowledge makes it easier for the doctor to make the correct diagnosis. Nevertheless, various examinations are still necessary to rule out other respiratory and lung diseases.
The distinction between asthma and COPD is particularly important for effective therapy. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the two clinical pictures can also overlap.
Typical differences between asthma and COPD
| Asthma | COPD |
| Often affects allergy sufferers | Mostly affects people who smoke |
| The disease often begins in childhood | The disease usually begins after the age of 40 |
| The symptoms often occur in fits and starts | The symptoms are slowly getting worse |
| Shortness of breath even at rest | Shortness of breath during physical exertion |
| Lung function may return to normal after an asthma attack or inhalation of an asthma medication | The lung function steadily decreases |
The lung function test (spirometry)
Spirometry can be performed easily, painlessly, and within minutes. It measures breathing and detects obstructive lung diseases such as COPD after. Spirometry is recommended for individuals,
- who often cough,
- smoke and are over 45 years old,
- get short of breath when walking quickly,
- worry about the health of their lungs,
- are already undergoing treatment for a lung disease.
The device measures the respiratory volume as well as the speed of exhalation. If the proportion of air exhaled in the first second is less than 70 percent of the air inhaled, the airways are narrowed. Since both COPD and Asthma may be the cause, a second test takes place: The patient inhales a drug that dilates the airways. This only has an effect on asthma sufferers. In COPD, the airways do not respond and remain narrowed. Spirometry can also be used over a longer period of time to monitor whether a therapy is having an effect.
What triggers asthma - Causes
Allergies: Asthma, which begins in childhood, is often related to an allergic reaction. Triggering allergens that may be considered include:
- Droppings of house dust mites contained in house dust
- Animal hair (cats, dogs, hamsters, rabbits, etc.)
- Mold spores
- Pollen (grasses, trees, cereals, etc.)
Other triggers: In addition to the specific triggers of allergic asthma, nonspecific factors can also cause symptoms - especially in people with hypersensitive bronchial tubes. These include:
- Cold, dry air
- Dust
- Odors, chemical and physical irritants
- Physical effort
- Cigarette smoke (also passive smoking)
- Air pollution (ozone)
- Stress and psychological influences
- Respiratory infections (colds, flu)
Respiratory reaction: In asthmatics, three circumstances come together to cause airway constriction, contributing to shortness of breath:
- The mucous membrane of the bronchi reacts to a stimulus with inflammation. As a result, the mucous membrane becomes thicker and narrows the bronchi.
- Cells in the mucosa form a tough mucus that gets stuck in the bronchial tubes and also contributes to airway constriction.
- The muscles that run around the bronchi tighten. They squeeze the bronchi and further narrow the airways.
Understanding asthma made easy
Why do we actually need oxygen? And what happens with it in the body? The informative and entertaining Learning Video Clips help children with asthma cope better with their condition.
Text: www.lungenliga.ch
Links and tips from the editors:
Treat asthma naturally and holistically
Micronutrient synergy for asthma
Professional article "Vitamin D helps against asthma"
Vitamin D Update 2016; Lecture series by Prof. Dr. med. Spitz with W. März
A. Bird Health Tip: "Asthma: Treat naturally"
